Hi everyone,

My toilet leaked approx 5 years ago. I replaced the wax ring but never took the linoleum up to see what was going on under there. I noticed the leak 5 years ago because it had saturated the subfloor and was dripping in the basement. Anyhow, after the wax ring was replaced.. no more leak. I am now getting ready to tile, and put hardibacker down and I noticed this. Does the damaged subfloor need to be replaced? Or can I squirt some bleach to inhibit mold growth and put down the hardibacker?

Thanks
BM

http://images5b.snapfish.com/2323232...3B432%3Anu0mrj

See if the wood is loose or soft with a screwdriver. If it feels as "hard" as the undamaged area, you are probably fine leaving it alone.

If it was lino then I would take up the luan and check the subfloor under it. If you are adding hardibacker it makes sense to check now rather than chance a fix later

It was solid enough it still held screws. Also, the flange was not loose or wobbly. I put the hardibacker down and tiled it.. if it hadn't rotted in 5 years, I imagine it can go a few more.